Hi Fiona,
The southern extent of the Nowingi Track (between Old Calder Highway and
just to the north of Konardin Track) is probably accessible using the Merc,
but I would strongly advise taking a 4WD for a number of reasons:
1. All it takes is one deep sand drift to get stuck, and there are many sand
drifts along the track.
2. The track can be deeply rutted, so whilst 4WD is not strictly necessary,
the clearance offered by a 4WD is helpful.
3. The Parks Vic parknote
(http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources05/05_0337.pdf) clearly states that
the entire extent of the Nowingi Track is 4WD.
4. If you wanted to drive the Konardin Track (from Mournpall Track to
Nowingi Track, say) - this track is ONLY accessible by 4WD and there is good
birding along this track too.
5. If you're in the area, you may want to visit Wymlet Tank (for parrots)
and Honeymoon Hut Track (for Red-lored Whistler) in the nearby Murray-Sunset
National Park. This is definitely only accessible by 4WD.
6. If it does rain then NOWHERE will be accessible by 2WD. You do not want
to get caught on the dirt tracks in the Mallee after rain without a 4WD.
Remember that the Mallee will be HOT in February, you will need to carry
water with you at all times - several litres per person per day. Just
walking in this area will be hot, thirsty work. You will have mobile phone
coverage throughout most of the south-western corner of Hattah (including
Nowingi Track), but you will not have mobile coverage in most of
Murray-Sunset if you go there - make sure that someone knows where you will
be and will raise the alert if you do not call in on schedule.
I know that this sounds very cautious, but Ruth and I just spent five days
bush camping in the area, and we're pretty familiar with the place - between
two of us we consumed the best part of 35 litres of water in those five
days. We also did have a 4WD!
Paul Dodd
Docklands, Victoria
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Fiona Anderson
Sent: Tuesday, 12 January 2010 11:53 AM
To: Birding Aus
Subject: Nowicki Track in Hattah NP
I'm not sure whether this is the correct spelling but I'm sure birders know
what I mean. A friend of mine and I hope (weather permitting) to bird this
track in late February. We have the choice of taking one of 2 vehicles -
either an All-wheel drive Subaru Forester or a more comfortable 2WD Mercedes
sedan. In the experience of birders who are familiar with this track, could
you please tell me whether the 2WD can handle it or are there too many areas
of loose sand?
T.I.A.
Fiona Anderson
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